5390. neshiqah
Lexical Summary
neshiqah: Kiss

Original Word: נְשִׁיקָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: nshiyqah
Pronunciation: neh-shee-KAH
Phonetic Spelling: (nesh-ee-kaw')
KJV: kiss
NASB: kisses
Word Origin: [from H5401 (נָשַׁק - To kiss)]

1. a kiss

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
kiss

From nashaq; a kiss -- kiss.

see HEBREW nashaq

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from nashaq
Definition
a kiss
NASB Translation
kisses (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
[נְשִׁיקָה] noun feminine kiss; — only plural construct: יִשָּׁקֵנִי מִנְּשִׁיקוֺת מִּיהוּ Songs 1:2; נְשִׁיקוֺת שׂוֺנֵא Proverbs 27:6 kisses of an enemy.

Topical Lexicon
Definition and Essence

נְשִׁיקָה (neshiqah) denotes the physical act of a kiss, yet in Scripture it functions as a richly layered symbol of covenant affection, devotion, intimacy, and—in negative contexts—falsehood. Though the form appears only twice in the Old Testament, its theology is illuminated by the broader biblical motif of kissing, which spans family affection (Genesis 27:26–27), covenant loyalty (1 Samuel 20:41), reverence toward rulers (Psalm 2:12), and corporate fellowship (Romans 16:16).

Occurrences and Contexts

1. Song of Songs 1:2 opens the poem of marital love with the plea, “May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine”. Here נְשִׁיקָה conveys marital and covenant intimacy, sanctifying wedded affection as a gift from God and foreshadowing the covenant love between Christ and His Church.
2. Proverbs 27:6 contrasts genuine friendship with duplicitous flattery: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful”. The kiss becomes a cautionary emblem, warning that outward affection can conceal inner hostility—a theme that finds grim fulfillment in Judas’s kiss (Matthew 26:48–49).

Cultural Background

In the ancient Near East, the kiss served multiple social functions:
• Family greeting and parting rites (Genesis 29:13).
• Ratification of covenants (Genesis 31:55).
• Homage to royalty or deity (1 Kings 19:18).

Because Hebrew culture tethered physical symbols to spiritual realities, a kiss could either affirm covenant faithfulness or expose covenant treachery.

Theology of the Kiss

1. Covenant Affirmation: A true kiss seals loyalty, echoing God’s steadfast love. In Song of Songs, it is a physical affirmation of an exclusive, lifelong union reflecting divine faithfulness.
2. Authentic Fellowship vs. Hypocrisy: Proverbs warns that outward tokens must align with inward truth. Scripture refuses to separate gesture from heart, anticipating Jesus’ teaching that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33).
3. Submission to the Messiah: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry” (Psalm 2:12) employs the act as a metaphor for surrender and worship—a prophetic call fulfilled in the adoration of Christ.

Ministry Applications

• Pastoral Counseling: Proverbs 27:6 encourages frank, loving correction over superficial affirmation. Spiritual leaders are summoned to wound in love rather than flatter unto harm.
• Marriage Enrichment: Song of Songs presents the kiss as holy, encouraging couples to cultivate affectionate, covenantal intimacy that mirrors divine love.
• Corporate Fellowship: The New Testament “holy kiss” (Romans 16:16; 1 Peter 5:14) builds on the Old Testament theology of נְשִׁיקָה, urging believers to express sincere, unifying love within proper cultural forms.

Christological and Eschatological Dimensions

The imagery of the kiss finds ultimate meaning in Christ. His Incarnation embodies God’s nearness; His betrayal kiss reveals sin’s hypocrisy; His welcome of repentant sinners (Luke 15:20) showcases grace. Eschatologically, the Church awaits the full experience of divine affection when the Bridegroom returns, consummating the covenant suggested by Song of Songs.

Practical Implications for Worship and Fellowship

1. Integrity: Let every outward gesture in Christian community be matched by inward truth.
2. Affection within Boundaries: Scripture endorses appropriate physical expressions of love while safeguarding against lust and manipulation.
3. Evangelistic Appeal: God calls the nations to “kiss the Son,” inviting heartfelt allegiance to the reigning Messiah.

Thus, נְשִׁיקָה traces a line from human affection to divine covenant, challenging believers to align lips and lives in faithful devotion to God and one another.

Forms and Transliterations
מִנְּשִׁיק֣וֹת מנשיקות נְשִׁיק֥וֹת נשיקות min·nə·šî·qō·wṯ minneshiKot minnəšîqōwṯ nə·šî·qō·wṯ neshiKot nəšîqōwṯ
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Proverbs 27:6
HEB: אוֹהֵ֑ב וְ֝נַעְתָּר֗וֹת נְשִׁיק֥וֹת שׂוֹנֵֽא׃
NAS: But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
KJV: of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy
INT: of a friend deceitful are the kisses of an enemy

Songs 1:2
HEB: יִשָּׁקֵ֙נִי֙ מִנְּשִׁיק֣וֹת פִּ֔יהוּ כִּֽי־
NAS: May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
KJV: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth:
INT: kiss the kisses of his mouth for

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5390
2 Occurrences


min·nə·šî·qō·wṯ — 1 Occ.
nə·šî·qō·wṯ — 1 Occ.

5389
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